Kier, a leading infrastructure, construction and developments group, has completed the first phase of its decarbonisation upgrades at its emulsion factory in Wymondham, marking a significant advancement in reducing carbon emissions from Kier’s highways operations in the region.
The upgrades to the site include a £20,000 investment to convert the thermal oil boiler and hot water boilers from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a much cleaner alternative fuel.
Benefits of this include:
Removal of 130,000 litres of diesel each year from site operations
Annual reduction of approximately 330 tonnes of CO₂e from direct (Scope 1) emissions
Significant contribution to Kier Transportation’s 2030 net zero Scope 1 and 2 targets
Additional Scope 3 emissions reductions linked to a cleaner fuel supply
Training for colleagues to operate and maintain the new low-carbon assets, supporting long-term performance and resilience
Notable reduction when compared to Kier Transportation’s FY25 Scope 1 and 2 footprint of 9,539 tonnes CO₂e
The upgraded boilers are essential to supporting critical manufacturing processes at the Wymondham facility, including bitumen tank heating, polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) plant heating, and emulsion production. Importantly, the conversion was implemented seamlessly, with no disruption to operations.
The upgrades are part of Kier’s commitments to Norfolk County Council, following its appointment to deliver the Norfolk Highways and Infrastructure contract, starting on 1 April 2026.
Bobbie Perks, general manager at Kier Infrastructure, said:
This milestone is the first of a longer-term programme to decarbonise our activities in Norfolk. To have reached this ahead of our go-live date is a demonstration of our commitment to partnering with Norfolk County Council and creating a positive legacy for the local community by delivering lower-carbon highways services across the county.
Councillor Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, infrastructure and transport said:
This milestone marks an excellent start to our new partnership with Kier. It demonstrates a clear commitment to Norfolk County Council’s own values in delivering sustainable, forward‑looking highways services. We welcome this progress and look forward to building on it together.